Person Of Interest Sought In UM Hospital Fire
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – More than a year after someone deliberately set a fire inside the University of Miami Hospital, a federal agency has released surveillance video of a person of interest in hopes it'll generate new leads in the case.
Wednesday, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives released the surveillance video to CBS4 News. It shows not only the fire but also a woman whom ATF investigators have been looking for ever since the fire was set inside the hospital, located at 1400 NW 12th Avenue, on July 30th, 2010.
It was just after 8:00 p.m. on a Friday night. A woman, between the ages of 25 and 35, can be seen in the video near some administrative offices on the second floor.
"Prior to her entering the building, we see her in the emergency room, entering very quickly and exiting very quickly," said ATF Special Agent Ed Halley. "She obviously finds an entry point around the building and is able to access a door."
As the fire is set, the video first shows a glow from the blaze. Then the hallway fills with thick smoke.
Fortunately, the sprinkler system was set off. The video shows water from the system gushing down the hallway.
Due to the sprinkler system, the fire and damage were contained and nobody was hurt.
The woman, who authorities said had some knowledge of the hospital, disappeared in less than 60 seconds.
Investigators aren't sure if this person was a former employee or patient or why she did what she did.
"We really don't know much about this person but we can tell you that any fire could be devastating. This is a hospital and there could have been threats to patients and their lives," said Agent Halley. "We're certain that someone has seen this person and we would like to hear from them."
If you know anything about this crime, please call the ATF hotline. The number is 1-888-283-3473.
